Employers liable for rape compensation claim

 

Employers have been warned to carefully monitor their staffs’ actions inside and out of the workplace, after a recruitment company may be held liable for its worker’s sexual assault.

Sukhbir ‘Sonny’ Dhillon is currently on trial for allegedly raping his secretary following a charity pub quiz. Now Mr Dhillon’s unnamed company could face compensation claims from the victim as a result of his actions.

“The law very clearly states that employers can be liable for the behaviour of their employees, even in certain circumstances after official working hours,” said Bettina Bender, Partner at employment law firm CM Murray.

The court heard how 35-year-old firm partner, Mr Dhillon, allegedly invited his secretary back to the company’s Hertfordshire flat in September last year. Prosecutor Lesley Jones told jurors how ‘Sonny’ dragged the employee to the bedroom where she woke hours later amid a sexual assault.

“Evening social events, particularly those where alcohol has been involved, can lead to acts of inappropriate behaviour which may then leave an employer exposed to a claim,” added Ms Bender.

“The firm in question could be liable to pay compensation to the female employee under unfair dismissal and sex discrimination legislation, provided the employment tribunal proceedings were lodged in time.”

The trial continues.